Illinois vs Kent State
- UI -16.5, Over / Under 55.5
I really dislike playing over/under bets this early in the season so it feels wise to avoid those and just think about who is likely to win and go from there. I think Illinois is likely to win this one…but, I wrote in Illinois’s preview that they were going to win 31-17. That still sounds about right. I’ll take the points.
Indiana at Florida International
- IU -10.5, O/U 56.5
Indiana has to replace a lot on defense so I’m not sure how they come out and play. I’ll try to minimize the possible damage in this one and just focus on the points. Personally, Indiana feels two touchdowns better than FIU so I’ll say they cover on the road.
Iowa vs Northern Illinois
- UI -10.0, O/U 48.5
NIU has a good defense but I think Iowa can pull away after a competitive two and a half to three quarters. Late score gives Iowa a 14 point win and a narrow cover.
Maryland vs Texas
- UT -13.5, O/U 53.5
Maybe I’ll be proven wrong in hilarious fashion but I’m not sold on Tom Herman and talent to talent, I think Maryland can hang in this one. Now, will they be up to it mentally after such a taxing offseason? Who knows, but I’ll sleep better knowing I picked the Terps.
Michigan at Notre Dame
- ND -1.0, O/U 46.5
I expect the defenses to be the better unit of the day for both the Irish and the Wolverines. Therefore I’m expecting a game that is played in the 30s. Give me the under. I also have Michigan pulling off the road victory, so take the points, too.
Michigan State vs Utah State
- MSU -23.5, O/U 50.5
Aggies are one of the few teams in the nation that returns about as many starters as MSU. With such an experienced roster, I think USU hangs around a little before losing by about 21. Still a lopsided win, but Utah State covers.
Minnesota vs New Mexico State
- UM -23, O/U 48
I had Minnesota winning 35-10 in my preview and based on how the Aggies looked in their week zero loss, I am even more confident the Golden Gophers cover this spread.
Nebraska vs Akron
- NU -26.0, O/U 54.5
Amped up for Scott Frost’s debut combined with a better roster had me buying the Huskers big for this game in my preview. In fact, I had NU winning in a 45-10 blowout. I’ll stand by that and say Nebraska covers.
Northwestern at Purdue
- PU -1.0, O/U 53
Like I said earlier, I’m not a huge fan of making an over/under bet this early in the season so I’ll just play the points, which is very nice when you get a one point spread. I’ll take Northwestern to win because of all the new faces on the PU defense.
Ohio State vs Oregon State
- Bucks -38.5, O/U 64
Oregon State is possibly the worst power-five team in the country and I’m sure the Ohio State players want to send a message about their program and coach. Even when outsiders agree Urban Meyer is a piece of scum, that’s not what his players are feeling. Buckeyes cover the massive spread.
Penn State vs Appalachian State
- PSU -24.0, O/U 54
App State has a really nice team and will compete for the Sun Belt. Because of that I think they can keep it somewhat close but the Lions pull away in the second half and win by 28 to cover.
Rutgers vs Texas State
- RU 16.5, O/U 47
Texas State San Marcos is a bad, bad program. I have Rutgers winning 42-7. Too narrow for me to play the over/under but I’ll confidently take the Scarlet Knights to open with a lopsided victory.
Wisconsin vs Western Kentucky
- UW -36, O/U 52.5
I hate spreads like this because if the Hilltoppers put just two drives together and score 10 points, you then need to bank in the Badgers to score at least 46. I mean, its do-able but I don’t like it. Instead I’m going to play the over. Wisconsin’s offense is really good on paper and this way, if WKU scores anything at all, it just helps our cause.
Lightning Round for Non-Readers:
Illinois/Kent State – Points
Indiana/FIU – IU
Iowa/Northern Illinois – UI
Maryland/Texas – Points
Michigan/Notre Dame – Points (UM if pick ’em), Under
Michigan State/Utah State – Points
Minnesota/New Mexico State – UM
Nebraska/Akron – NU
Northwestern/Purdue – Points (NU if pick ’em)
Ohio State/Oregon State – Bucks
Penn State/Appalachian State – PSU
Rutgers/Texas State – RU
Wisconsin/Western Kentucky – Over
Big Ten and Counting 